Bilona ghee and regular ghee both have their unique characteristics, and the choice between them often depends on personal preferences and dietary considerations. Let's delve into a comparison to help you understand the differences:
Method of Preparation:
Regular Ghee: Traditional ghee is often made by melting butter and separating the milk solids from the clarified butter. This process involves simmering the butter until the water content evaporates, and the remaining fats are separated.
Bilona Ghee: Bilona ghee is a more traditional and labour-intensive method. It involves churning curd to make butter, and then further processing that butter to make ghee. This process is believed to retain more of the nutritional elements found in milk.
Nutritional Content:
Regular Ghee: The traditional method of making ghee removes most of the impurities and milk solids, resulting in a pure form of clarified butter. However, some nutrients may be lost in the process.
Bilona Ghee: Advocates of bilona ghee claim that the churning process retains more nutrients present in milk, providing a richer and potentially more nutritious product. It may contain higher levels of fat-soluble vitamins and other bioactive compounds.
Flavour and Aroma:
Regular Ghee: Ghee made through the standard method has a nutty and buttery flavour with a pleasant aroma.
Bilona Ghee: Bilona ghee enthusiasts often argue that the churning process imparts a distinct and richer flavour profile to the ghee. It might have a more pronounced nuttiness and depth of taste.
Texture and Colour:
Regular Ghee: Typically, regular ghee has a golden-yellow colour and a smooth, creamy texture.
Bilona Ghee: This might be thicker and have a deeper golden hue, giving it a more granular texture.
Cost and Availability:
Regular Ghee: Generally, regular ghee is more widely available and may be less expensive compared to bilona ghee.
Bilona Ghee: Bilona ghee tends to be pricier and may have limited availability.
In conclusion, the choice between bilona ghee and regular ghee depends on individual preferences, dietary needs, and budget considerations. While bilona ghee enthusiasts appreciate its traditional preparation method and potential nutritional benefits, regular ghee remains a popular and more easily accessible option for many consumers. Ultimately, both types can be incorporated into a balanced diet, and the decision may come down to personal taste and priorities.